U.S. policies should serve our interests, not Israel's

Editor,

The statements by Noura Erakat in Wednesday's Daily Lobo were compelling. It is good to read thoughts from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian issue. That's what good universities are for - to elicit a range of ideas, opinions and new thinking.

There is little doubt that Israel would be the big loser if the U.S. pulled its forces out of Iraq. It is also doubtful we can negotiate a meaningful and lasting peace in the region unless we serve as an honest broker between Arabs and Israelis.

To this point, we have supported chaotic policies which favor the interests of Israel, not our own. I have no problem with the American Jewish lobby, AIPAC, trying to influence U.S. policy, but it can't be allowed to subvert the facts or intimidate our media and political leaders who criticize Israeli policies and actions. Claims of anti-Semitism are not a valid way to suppress arguments in a healthy democracy.

I support Israel, but I do not support all that it does, including spying, its use of some of the $3 billion in annual aid the U.S. provides to expand settlements on the West Bank and its arsenal of bombs and other weapons.

It is pivotal for us to think of what is in our best interest rather than what is in Israel's best interest. A more balanced policy would go a long way toward defusing the terrorist threat and in re-establishing the credibility of the U.S. around the world.

Bill Niendorff

UNM student